After fulfilling his four-fight contract with the organization of Strikeforce, Dan Henderson returned to the UFC in hopes of making one last run towards gold.
Henderson proved he’s still a tip-top contender in an historical showdown with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139.
After five grueling and heart-wrenching rounds of war, Henderson and Rua awaited a judge’s decision that would eventually reveal a Henderson unanimous decision victory.
While Henderson is in the light heavyweight division, he should make the transition back to the 185-pound weight class.
Not only that, but “Hendo” should receive an immediate title shot.
Not only is competition thinner in the middleweight division, but it’s a place where Henderson has some unfinished business to take care of.
As we know, Henderson was defeated by current 185-pound champion Anderson Silva when the two met at UFC 82 years ago.
Henderson put Silva on his back and began to unleash vicious power punches and elbows, very similar to what Chael Sonnen did to Silva at UFC 117.
Unfortunately for Henderson, his chance at gold came crashing down when he was caught in a submission in the second round of action.
However, a transition to the middleweight division would mean far more than just a rematch with Silva.
The middleweight division is where Henderson could be at full potential.
Already one of the strongest 205-pounders in MMA today, Henderson would clearly outpower nearly every opponent that came his way.
In addition, Henderson is a former Olympic wrestler which would make him the front-runner of all martial artists in the middleweight division.
At this point, Henderson’s knockout power and ability to take a punch are an add-on bonus making him an even deeper threat.
Henderson should fight for the middleweight championship.
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